Keratotic plug remover

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a keratotic plug remover comprising, as active ingredients, (A) a polymer having sulfonic or sulfate groups or having salts thereof and (B) a nonionic polymer, and a pack for pores of the skin containing said remover. The use of the pack for pores of the skin permits cleanly keeping the skin and pores of the skin and suppressing the conspicuousness of pores of the skin because the strength of a film formed therefrom is high even under high humidity, and so the film is easy to peel, and keratotic plugs filled in the pores of the skin can be removed with high reliability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a keratotic plug remover, a sheet-likepack for pores of the skin and a method of removing keratotic plugs

2. Discussion of the Background

Various troubles can be caused on the skin by smears on the skin, suchas sebum and keratotic plugs. In particular, keratotic plugs are smearskeratinized together with sebum and which are filled in pores of theskin and form the cause that the pores of the skin become conspicuous.Therefore, it is preferred from the viewpoint of the healthy functionand aesthetic appearance of the skin that keratotic plugs which arefilled in the pores of the skin be removed.

A film type pack composition making good use of a water-soluble polymersuch as polyvinyl alcohol as a film-forming agent, and a film type packcomposition described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.255041/1993, making good use of an aqueous resin emulsion as afilm-forming agent have heretofore been used for the purpose of removingdirt or smears on the skin. A keratotic plug remover described inJapanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 97627/1993, by which keratoticplugs can be removed with good results, and the like have been used forthe purpose of removing keratotic plugs in particular.

However, the conventional film type pack compositions cannot achieve anysufficient effect on the removal of the keratotic plugs, while thekeratotic plug remover described in Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. 97627/1993 has a high effect of removing the keratoticplugs. However, the strength of a film formed therefrom is lowered underhigh humidity, so that the film is hard to peel, and its keratoticplug-removing effect is lowered.

Keratotic plug removers are described by Uemura et al. in U.S. Pat. No.5,512,277 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,382.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a keratotic plugremover by which the film strength thereof is high, and keratotic plugsfilled in pores of the skin can be removed with high reliability, and apack for pores of the skin making use of this remover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a keratotic plug remover comprising, asactive ingredients, (A) a polymer (hereafter referred to as Polymer (A))having sulfonic or sulfate groups or having salts thereof; and (B) anonionic polymer (hereafter referred to as Polymer (B)); a sheet-likepack for pores of the skin, comprising Polymer (A) and Polymer (B); anda process for removing keratotic plugs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same become betterunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross section of a sheet-like pack according to thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Examples of Polymer (A) used in the present invention include thefollowing polymers (a) to (d):

(a) homopolymers of a vinyl monomer (hereafter referred to as VinylMonomer (a)) having a (meth)acryloyl skeleton or styrene skeleton and asulfonic or sulfate group, or a salt thereof (hereafter referred to asan acidic group);

(b) copolymers of Vinyl Monomer (a) with a monomer copolymerizabletherewith;

(c) polysaccharides containing the above acidic group, such ascarboxymethyl cellulose, alginic acid and salts thereof; and

(d) homopolymers of vinylsulfuric acid, vinylsulfonic acid,allylsulfonic acid or a salt thereof, or copolymers of such a monomerwith a monomer copolymerizable therewith.

Examples of the monomer having a (meth)acryloyl skeleton include (a-1)(meth)acrylic acid, (a-2) monomers having a (meth)acrylate skeleton and(a-3) monomers having a (meth)acrylamide skeleton. (a-1) (Meth)acrylicacid is an example of the vinyl monomer having a carboxyl group.Examples of (a-2) the monomer having the acidic group and the(meth)acrylate skeleton include 3(meth)acryloyloxy-propanesulfonic acid.Examples of (a-3) the monomer having the acidic group and the(meth)acrylamide skeleton include2-(meth)acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid. Examples of the monomerhaving the acidic group and the styrene skeleton include styrenesulfonicacid.

When Polymer (A) is a copolymer, it is preferred that the content of thevinyl monomer having an acidic group be at least 20 mol % based on allmonomers used in the preparation of the copolymer from the viewpoint ofthe keratotic plug-removing effect of the resulting keratotic plugremover. No particular limitation is imposed on a comonomer forcopolymerization with the vinyl monomer having an acidic group, so faras it is a comonomer which is copolymerizable therewith.

The salt of the acidic group in Polymer (A) may be neutralized to anydegree of neutralization with a basic substance and may be neutralizedto a specific degree of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%,55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% and 100%, based on the totalamount of acidic groups in Polymer (A). Examples of a cationic ion atthis time include alkali metal ions, alkaline earth metal ions, anammonium ion and alkylammonium ions. Such a salt may be formed either atthe point of time of its corresponding monomer or after the preparationof the polymer.

Examples of Polymer (B) include the following polymers (e) to (g):

(e) homopolymers of a vinyl monomer (hereafter referred to as VinylMonomer (b)) having an amide group;

(f) copolymers of Vinyl Monomer (B) with a monomer copolymerizabletherewith; and

(g) polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyglycerol, polyvinylalcohol, pullulan, guar gum, hydroxyethyl cellulose and the like.

Examples of polymers belonging to the polymers (e) to (g) includepolyvinyl pyrrolidone, vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymers,poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide), poly(N-vinylacetamide),poly(N-vinylformamide) and poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline).

Polymer (B) may contain an ionic group in a proportion of at most 10 mol% based on the whole monomer so far as a nonionic component is containedas a main component. As an examples of a nonionic polymer having anionic group, may be mentioned carboxy-modified polyvinyl alcohol.

Combinations of Polymer (a) with Polymer (e), Polymer (a) with Polymer(f), polymer (b) with Polymer (e), and Polymer (b) with Polymer (f) arepreferred from the viewpoint of the keratotic plug-removing ability ofthe resulting remover. Among these combinations, the combination ofPolymer (a) with Polymer (e) is more preferred.

As Polymers (A) and (B), one or more of the above-mentioned polymers maybe respectively used. The weight average molecular weights of eachpolymer is independently preferably within a range of 10,000 to3,000,000, with those having a weight average molecular weight of100,000 to 1,000,000 being particularly preferred from the viewpoint offilm strength and easy application.

The mixture of Polymers (A) and (B) used in the present invention maybecome turbid when they are dissolved in water, but are preferablysoluble in water from the viewpoints of the effect of removing keratoticplugs and appearance. The nature “water solubility” in the presentinvention can be identified by the fact that the transmittance of amixture prepared by uniformly mixing 1 part by weight of the copolymerwith 99 parts by weight of ion-exchanged water is at least 95% when themixture is placed in a quartz cell (optical path length: 1 cm) tomeasure its transmittance at a light wavelength of 370 nm by means of ageneral spectrophotometer for ultraviolet and visible region (forexample, UV-265FW manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation).

Polymers (A) and (B) are typically present as a polymer blend.

A mixing proportion of Polymer (A) to Polymer (B) in the keratotic plugremover and pack for pores of the skin according to the presentinvention is preferably 5:95 to 95:5, more preferably 30:70 to 70:30 interms of a weight ratio of (A) to (B) from the viewpoint of thekeratotic plug-removing ability. As examples of a method for mixingthese polymers, may be mentioned a method in which the respectivepolymers are dissolved in separate proper solvents, and the resultantsolutions are mixed with each other, and a method in which bothcomponents are dissolved at once in a proper solvent.

Polymers (A) and (B) may be incorporated in a proportion of 0.01 to 100%by weight in total into the keratotic plug remover according to thepresent invention. Incidentally, no limitation is imposed on theresidual components such as a solvent so far as no detrimental influenceis thereby imposed on the ability to remove keratotic plugs.

The total content of Polymers (A) and (B) in the pack for pores of theskin according to the present invention is preferably controlled to 1.0to 99.9% by weight, more preferably 20 to 95% by weight.

Each of Polymers (A) and (B) is generally dissolved in a solvent beforeuse. The solvent may be any solvent so far as it can stably dissolve thepolymer therein. For example, one of water, ethyl alcohol, isopropylalcohol and the like or any combination thereof may be used. The contentof the solvent may be suitably adjusted according to Polymers (A) and(B), other optional components and the form of the composition. However,the content is preferably 0.1 to 99.0% by weight, more preferably 1 to80% by weight based on the pack for pores of the skin.

Into the keratotic plug remover according to the present invention,components commonly used in the classical cosmetic compositions, forexample, the components described in Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-Open No. 97627/1993, page 19, lines 2 to 38, may be incorporated inaddition to Polymers (A) and (B). Among these components, any ofpolyhydric alcohols such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol and stillhigher polyethylene glycols; propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol andstill higher polypropylene glycols; butylene glycols such as1,3-butylene glycol; glycerol, diglycerol and still higherpolyglycerols; sugar alcohols such as sorbitol; adducts of glycerolswith ethylene oxide (hereafter referred to as EO) and propylene oxide(hereinafter referred to as PO); EO-PO adducts of sugar alcohols; EO-POadducts of monosaccharides; and EO-PO adducts of polysaccharides isincorporated for the purpose of adjusting the strength of a film formed.These polyhydric alcohols are preferably contained in a proportion of0.01 to 50% by weight in the keratotic plug remover.

Powder, such as inorganic powder such as titanium oxide, zinc oxide,silica, alumina, calcium carbonate, calcium silicate, mica, talc orkaolin, or powder of an organic polymer such as nylon, cellulose or apolystyrene resin may be contained for the purpose of controlling thestrength of a film formed and drying property. These powders arepreferably contained in a proportion of 1 to 50% by weight in the thekeratotic plug remover.

When any of oily components, such as hydrocarbons such as liquidparaffin, squalane, vaseline and solid paraffin; natural oils; esteroils; silicone oils; and higher fatty acids is contained into thekeratotic plug remover, the peel strength of a film formed after thekeratotic plug remover is dried can be adjusted, so that the film can bepeeled from the skin without irritating the skin. These oily componentsare preferably incorporated in a proportion of 0.01 to 10% by weight inthe keratotic plug remover. In order to enhance the shelf stability ofthe resulting the keratotic plug remover, a surfactant may be containedin a proportion of 0.01 to 5% by weight in the keratotic plug remover.

Besides, additives such as coloring matter, vitamins, anti-inflammatoryagents, germicides, preservatives, ultraviolet absorbents, whiteningagents and moisturizers may be contained.

The keratotic plug remover according to the present invention may be ofthe type that it is dried once to remove a solvent therefrom, and it isdissolved again in a solvent right before its use to use it. In order toremove keratotic plugs, the pack for pores of the skin according to thepresent invention may be used by coating or plastering the skin, atwhich keratotic plugs are present, therewith, drying it and then peelingit from the skin.

The keratotic plug remover according to the present invention may beused in the form of either the ordinary peel-off type that there is noneed to use a support or a sheet-like pack that Polymers (A) and (B) areapplied to a support. Alternatively, it may be used by coating the skinwith a paste containing Polymers (A) and (B) and then covering thecoated portion with a support. As the support used herein, is preferreda water vapor-permeable support such as a fabric or nonwoven fabric madeof one or at least two selected from natural fibers such as cotton, hempand wool; regenerated cellulose type fibers such as rayon and acetate;and chemical fibers composed of polyester, polyurethane, polyamide,polypropylene, polyethylene or the like.

The sheet-like pack according to the present invention is composed of acosmetic composition comprising Polymers (A) and (B) and a watervapor-permeable support. A specific preferable example thereof includesa pack in which a cosmetic composition 2 containing the keratotic plugremover is supported on a water vapor-permeable support 1 as illustratedin FIG. 1 in such a manner that the water vapor-permeable support 2forms a surface of the sheet-like pack.

In the sheet-like pack according to the present invention, the cosmeticcomposition 2 containing the keratotic plug remover may be either in theform of a paste (generally, solvent content: 20 to 95% by weight) havingflowability or in a dry state generally, solvent content: 1 to 80% byweight) having no flowability.

The sheet pack including the cosmetic substance in a paste-like stategenerally has a water content of 30 to 80% by weight and a thickness of50 to 2000 μm whereas the sheet pack including the cosmetic substance ina dry state generally has a water content of 0.1 to 30%, preferably 15to 20% by weight and a thickness of 10 to 1000 μm. In sheet-pack isprovided with a layer of polymer in an amount sufficient to effectivelyremove keratotic plugs, the specific amount of which may vary dependingon the specific polymer mixture used. The determination of an amount ofpolymer effective to remove ketatotic plugs is within the level of skillof those of ordinary skill in the art, without undue experimentation.

A sheet-like pack is composed of the cosmetic composition containing thekeratotic plug remover and the water vapor-permeable support asdescribed above. However, a release sheet which is separated and removedupon use may be laminated on the surface on the side of the cosmeticcomposition as needed. Examples of such a release sheet include sheetsformed of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon and the like. Asuitable support layer is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,221,382, therelevant portions of which, which describe the support layer, are herebyincorporated by reference.

No particular limitation is imposed on the external form of thesheet-like pack, and it may be formed into a sheet having apredetermined width and suitably cut out for use upon application to theskin. Alternatively, it may be cut out in advance into forms suitablefor application to parts such as forehead, cheek and nose, at which dirtor smears in pores of the skin are present in plenty. In a preferredembodiment the sheet-like pack is provided in a form in which an upperedge comprises a receding portion and a lower edge comprises aprojecting portion, wherein the receding portion and the projectingportion are fittable with each other. A suitable shape is described inU.S. Pat. No. 6,299,605, the relevant portions of which, which describedthe shape of the sheet pack, are hereby incorporated by reference.

As a method for using the sheet-like pack, is preferred a method inwhich the sheet-like pack is applied to the skin as it is, or the sideof the cosmetic composition containing the keratotic plug remover of thesheet-like pack is applied to the skin after water is supplied to atleast one of the skin and the side of the cosmetic composition of thesheet-like pack, the cosmetic composition of the sheet-like pack isdried, and the whole sheet-like pack is then peeled from the skin.

EXAMPLES

(1) Evaluation of Film Strength:

An aqueous solution containing Polymers (A) and (B) in a proportion of20% by weight in total was prepared, and the solution was developed on aTeflon-made Petri dish and dried at 25° C. to form a film having athickness of about 400 μm. After the film was cut into a rectangle of 3cm×0.5 cm so as not to crack it, the resultant film specimen was left tostand for 2 days in an atmosphere of 58% RH (relative humidity) or 81%RH. The thus-treated film specimen was subjected to a tensile test undermeasuring conditions of strain of 0.01%, frequency of 10 Hz, a ratio ofstatic stress to dynamic stress of 2.5 and 25° C. by means of a generaldynamic viscoelastometer (for example, DVA-200 manufactured by ITKeisoku Seigyo K.K.) to measure its storage elastic modulus E′. Thestrength of the film was ranked as ⊚ where E′ was at least 5×10⁸ Pa, ∘where E′ was not lower than 1×10⁷ Pa, but lower than 5×10⁸ Pa, Δ whereE′ was not lower than 1×10⁶ Pa, but lower than 1×10⁷ Pa, or x where E′was lower than 1×10⁶ Pa.

(2) Evaluation of the Ability to Remove Keratotic Plugs:

(A) Type Coated on the Skin (Pasty Pack)

A mixture of Polymers (A) and (B) was used to prepare a pack for poresof the skins in accordance with the formulation shown in Table 1. Thepack for pores of the skins was coated on the nose of a panelist afterwashing her face in a proportion of 0.1 mL/cm², left to stand for 30minutes at 25° C. and 50% RH or 80% RH and then peeled from the nose.The measurement was conducted on the same panelist, and the evaluationunder these two conditions was carried out at an interval of 1 week. Apercent removal of keratotic plugs was then found in accordance with thefollowing formula (I) to evaluate the pack for pores of the skin as tothe ability to remove keratotic plugs. The pack for pores of the skinwas ranked as ⊚ where the percent removal of keratotic plugs was atleast 35%, ∘ where the percent removal of keratotic plugs was not lowerthan 20%, but lower than 35%, Δ where the percent removal of keratoticplugs was not lower than 5%, but lower than 20%, or x where the percentremoval of keratotic plugs was lower than 5%.

TABLE 1 Polymers (A) and (B) 20 (parts by weight) Preservative q.s.Purified water 80(B) Type Plastered on the Skin (Sheet-like Pack)

A water vapor-permeable support and a mixture of Polymers (A) and (B)were used to prepare a sheet-like pack in accordance with theformulation shown in Table 2. A proper amount of water was first appliedto a skin portion, on which the sheet-like pack will be plastered, andthe sheet-like pack was plastered on this portion, dried at 25° C. and50% RH or 80% RH and then peeled from the skin. The measurement wasconducted on the same panelist, and the evaluation under these twoconditions was carried out at an interval of 1 week. A percent removalof keratotic plugs was then found in accordance with the followingformula (I) to evaluate the sheet-like pack as to the ability to removekeratotic plugs. The sheet-like pack was ranked as ⊚ where the percentremoval of keratotic plugs was at least 35%, ∘ where the percent removalof keratotic plugs was not lower than 20%, but lower than 35%, Δ wherethe percent removal of keratotic plugs was not lower than 5%, but lowerthan 20%, or x where the percent removal of keratotic plugs was lowerthan 5%.

TABLE 2 Polymers (A) and (B) 20 (parts by weight) Silicic anhydride 16Glycerol  6 Preservative q.s. Purified water 58

 Percent removal of keratotic plugs=(the number of keratotic plugsattached to 1 cm² of pack)/(the number of keratotic plugs present in aregion of 1 cm² on a wing of the nose)×100  (I)

Examples 1 to 10 and Comparative Examples 1 to 6 were taken as examplesof (A), and Examples 11 and 12 and Comparative Examples 7 and 8 weretaken as examples of (B) to evaluate their corresponding polymercompositions shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 Polymer (A)/Polymer Film strength Keratotic plug remover ExamplePolymer (A) Polymer (B) (B) (weight ratio) 58% RH 81% RH 50% RH 80% RHEx. 1 PNaSS PVP 50/50 ⊚ ∘ ⊚ ∘ Ex. 2 PNaSS PVP/VA 40/60 ⊚ ⊚ ∘ ∘ Ex. 3PNaSS PVAAm 55/45 ⊚ ∘ ∘ ∘ Ex. 4 PNaSS PVA 50/50 ∘ ∘ ∘ ∘ Ex. 5 PAMPSNaPVP 40/60 ∘ ∘ ∘ ∘ Ex. 11 PNaSS PVP 50/50 ⊚ ∘ ⊚ ∘ Ex. 12 PNaSS PVA 50/50∘ ∘ ∘ ∘ Comp. Ex. 1 PNaSS — 100/0  ⊚ ∘ Δ Δ Comp. Ex. 2 PVP — 100/0  ∘ ∘x x Comp. Ex. 3 PQDM PVP 50/50 ∘ x ⊚ x Comp. Ex. 4 PMAA — 100/0  ⊚ ∘ x xComp. Ex. 5 PVA — 100/0  ∘ ∘ x x Comp. Ex. 6 PQDM PVA 50/50 ∘ x ⊚ xComp. Ex. 7 PNaSS — 100/0  ⊚ ∘ ∘ Δ Comp. Ex. 8 PQDM — 100/0  ∘ x ⊚ xPNaSS: Polystyrenesulfonic acid (PS-50, product of Toso Co., Ltd.) PVP:Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (K-30, product of Wako Pure Chemical Industries,Ltd.) PVP/VA: Vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer (W-735, productof International Speciality Products Co.) PVAAm: Poly(N-vinylacetamide)(weight average molecular weight: 270,000) PVA: Polyvinyl alcohol(Gohsenol EG-30, product of The Nippon Synthetic Chemical Industry Co.,Ltd.) PAMPSNa: Poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid) (weightaverage molecular weight: 400,000) PQDM:Polymethacryloyloxyethyltrimethylammonium chloride (weight averagemolecular weight: 270,000) PVAA: Partial sodium salt of polyacrylic acid(neutralization: 55 mol %) (weight average molecular weight: 460,000)Industrial Applicability

The use of the pack for pores of the skin according to the presentinvention permits cleanly keeping the skin and pores of the skin andsuppressing the conspicuousness of pores of the skin because thestrength of a film formed therefrom is high even under high humidity,and so the film is easy to peel, and keratotic plugs filled in the poresof the skin can be removed with high reliability.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

This application is based on Japanese patent application 11-131046 filedin the Japanese Patent Office on May 12, 1999, and WO 00/69397 filedwith the Japanese receiving office of WIPO on May 11, 2000, the entirecontents of each are hereby incorporated by reference.

1. A keratotic plug remover consisting essentially of: (i) a polymer (A)having sulfonic or sulfate groups or having salts thereof, selected fromthe group consisting of (a) homopolymers of a vinyl having a(meth)acryloyl skeleton or styrene skeleton and a sulfonic, group, or asalt thereof, (b) copolymers of a vinyl having a (meth)acryloyl skeletonor styrene and a sulfonic, group, salt thereof with a monomercopolymerizable therewith, (c) polysaccharides having a sulfonic groupor a salt thereof, and (d) homopolymers of vinylsulfonic acid,allylsulfonic acid or a salt thereof, or copolymers of such a monomerwith a monomer copolymerizable therewith wherein said polymer (A) is notpoly 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonate (AMPS); and (ii) a nonionicpolymer (B) selected from the group consisting of (e) homopolymers of avinyl monomer having an amide group, (f) copolymers of a vinyl monomerhaving an amide group with a monomer copolymerizable therewith; and (g)polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyglycerol, polyvinylalcohol, pullulan, guar gum and hydroxyethyl cellulose, wherein polymer(A) and nonionic polymer (B) are soluble in water, and a mixingproportion of said polymer (A) to nonionic polymer (B) is 30:70 to 70:30in terms of a weight ratio of (A) to (B).
 2. The keratotic plug removeraccording to claim 1, wherein the weight average molecular weight ofpolymer (A) and nonionic polymer (B) are each independently within arange of 10,000 to 3,000,000.
 3. The keratotic plug remover according toclaim 1, wherein the weight average molecular weight of polymer (A) andnonionic polymer (B) are each independently within a range of 100,000 to1,000,000.
 4. The keratotic plug remover of claim 1, further comprisinga polyhydric alcohol.
 5. The keratotic plug remover of claim 4, whereinsaid polyhydric alcohol is selected form the group consisting ofethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols; propyleneglycol, dipropylene glycol, butylene glycols, glycerol, diglycerol,sugar alcohols, adducts of glycerols with ethylene oxide and propyleneoxide, ethylene oxide-propylene oxide adducts of sugar alcohols,ethylene oxide-propylene oxide adducts of monosaccharides, and ethyleneoxide-propylene oxide adducts of polysaccharides.
 6. The keratotic plugremover of claim 1, further comprising a powder.
 7. The keratotic plugremover of claim 6, wherein said powder is selected from the groupconsisting of titanium oxide, zinc oxide, silica, alumina, calciumcarbonate, calcium silicate, mica, talc, kaolin, nylon powder, cellulosepowder, a polystyrene resin powder and a mixture thereof.
 8. Thekeratotic plug remover of claim 1, further comprising an oily component.9. The keratotic plug remover of claim 8, wherein said oily component isselected from the group consisting of liquid paraffin, squalane,vaseline, solid paraffin, natural oils, ester oils, silicone oils,higher fatty acids and a mixture thereof.
 10. The keratotic plug removerof claim 1, further comprising a surfactant in a proportion of 0.01 to5% by weight in the keratotic plug remover.
 11. The keratotic plugremover of claim 1, further comprising an element selected from thegroup consisting of a coloring matter, vitamins, anti-inflammatoryagents, germicides, preservatives, ultraviolet absorbents, whiteningagents, moisturizers and a mixture thereof.
 12. A sheet pack comprisinga cosmetic composition comprising the keratotic plug remover of claim 1and a water vapor-permeable support.
 13. The sheet pack of claim 12,wherein said keratotic plug remover has no flowability.
 14. The sheetpack of claim 13, wherein said keratotic plug remover has a solventcontent of from 1 to 80%.
 15. The sheet pack of claim 12, wherein saidkeratotic plug remover has a water content of from 0.1 to 30%.
 16. Thesheet pack of claim 12, wherein said keratotic plug remover has a watercontent of from 15 to 20%.
 17. A process for removing keratotic plugs,which comprises: i) coating or plastering skin with the keratotic plugremover of claim 1; ii) drying said keratotic plug remover; and ii)peeling said keratotic plug remover from said skin.
 18. A process forremoving keratotic plugs, which comprises (i) plastering skin with asheet pack comprising a cosmetic composition comprising the keratoticplug remover of claim 1 and a water vapor-permeable support; and (ii)drying the pack; and (iii) peeling said pack from said skin.
 19. Theprocess of claim 18, wherein said keratotic plug remover has noflowability further comprising wetting said skin or said sheet packprior to plastering said skin.
 20. The process of claim 19, furthercomprising wetting said skin prior to plastering said skin.
 21. Theprocess of claim 19, further comprising wetting said sheet pack prior toplastering said skin.